Lauren Howcroft shaves her head in aid of Little Princess Trust

A TEENAGER has raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity after taking the brave decision to lose her locks for a good cause.

Lauren Howcroft took the decision to have her head shaved to raise money for the Little Princess Trust.

Her proud mum Emma Mitchell, 36, said: “There isn’t any personal reason she chose to do this – she just came home one day and told us what she was planning. I think that makes it even more special. It’s an amazing thing that she has done, and I’m really very proud of her.”

Fourteen-year-old Lauren, from Winklebury, Basingstoke, had her long brown hair, which came halfway down her back, shaved off at BOX Hairdressing in Church Street, Basingstoke town centre.

Watched by a large group of family members and friends, Lauren, who attends The Costello School, had her hair cut, and then clipped to a grade three.

Despite being nervous before the head shave, Lauren said she thought the final result was “not that bad”.

She said she plans to keep her hair a natural colour as it grows out.

Lauren’s dad, 36-year-old Dave Howcroft, said his daughter had been given every opportunity to back out, but had been determined to do it.

He said: “I did wonder whether she would actually do it, but she has been very sure of herself. I think it’s an amazing thing that she is doing”.

Lauren has raised £600 for the Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to children suffering from hair loss.

The amount includes a £100 donation by BOX Hairdressing. Lauren’s hair will also be sent off to be used for a wig.

Dave said: “Everyone has been really generous. People who don’t even know Lauren have been donating. It has been fantastic.”